Form key in Terry call - McClaren

28 April 2013 01:19

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Former England manager Steve McClaren believes John Terry's ability to perform at the highest level should be the major consideration if the Chelsea defender declares himself available to play for his country again.

It is understood the former captain is prepared to consider ending his international exile with the hope of going to the World Cup in Brazil in 2016.

Terry announced his retirement from the international game in September shortly before his personal hearing for a Football Association charge of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.

The defender had appeared in court over the issue in July and been cleared, but an FA independent regulatory commission banned him for four matches and he was fined £220,000.

That appeared to mark the end of his international career, but if he was to make himself eligible again, he could create a selection issue for England boss Roy Hodgson.

And while McClaren appreciates that there are political issues surrounding Terry, he believes any decision should come down to on-field concerns.

He told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "You look at what's happened off the field, what's happened on the squad, internally what can happen, but also it's form as well.

"John Terry also is progressing in age and Chelsea are rotating him, so it's purely on form and Roy Hodgson looking ahead to the future.

"So if you look ahead to the future will John Terry in one, two, three, four years be involved in that?

"I think Roy Hodgson has a decision to make as to whether to go for the future or whether to win in the short term."